The Month of Mind-Shifting Power You've Been Overlooking!
Gina London
CEO and Founder | TEDx and International Keynote Speaker | Leadership Columnist | I help leaders communicate and engage with impact | Non-Executive Director Malone Group
Dear readers, It’s November, the month of Thanksgiving for my fellow Americans. ??
But no matter where you are from, each one of us can benefit from recommitting to focusing on being actively grateful.?
There’s so much wrong with the world these days that I can slip into feelings of helplessness or why bother – unless I actively work to shift my focus on what I can control – and that, for me this month, is going to be taking a minute EVERY DAY to publicly express gratitude for one thing.
You’ll find my postings on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) and on Linked In. And if you might consider joining me in this for yourself this month, here are three quick reminders why expressing daily gratitude or keeping a gratitude journal can adjust your mindset for the better:
Radiate Positivity: Gratitude is like a beam of sunshine in your life. When you take a moment each day to reflect on even just one thing you're thankful for, it's like unleashing a wave of positivity.
It's not just about counting your blessings in a banal or repetitive way; it's about actively focusing on even the seemingly little things that you can be thankful for. It can be as simple as appreciating a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a loving friend's text, or the warmth of sunshine on your face.
When you actively express gratitude for these experiences or capture them in a short entry in a journal, tracking these moments will make you feel happier, lighter, and more optimistic.
?Your attitude will naturally shift to one of appreciation, and that positive energy will radiate in your interactions and attract good vibes from others. It takes effort, but I remember one November in 2017 in the giant Macy’s store in Manhattan, I was actively thinking about being positive and I swear to you, a random clerk stopped me and seriously said,
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“Oh my gosh, who are you? You simply radiate.”
Her smile was so broad and she seemed genuinely touched. And that of course, reinforced my own energy and my resolve to continue "radiating". Get it?
Banish Negativity: Gratitude acts as a powerful antidote to negativity. It's a bit like Marie Kondo-ing your mind. When you focus on the good things in your life, it becomes harder to dwell on the not-so-great stuff. The more you practice gratitude, the less room you'll have for complaints, stress, or pessimism. You'll train your brain to spot silver linings, even in challenging situations. It's a mental gym workout that builds your resilience and helps you cope better with setbacks. In this way, gratitude acts as a natural defense against the gloomy clouds of negativity that can sometimes hover over us.
Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem: Expressing gratitude or keeping a gratitude journal can be a powerful tool for boosting your self-esteem and confidence. It's like a daily pat on the back from yourself. When you acknowledge the good things in your life, it reinforces the idea that you deserve them. It's a reminder that you are capable of creating and attracting positive experiences. As you look back over your gratitude journal and see how much you've overcome or achieved, you'll start to believe in your own abilities more. This growing self-belief can translate into greater confidence, not only in your personal life but also in your professional endeavors. You'll find yourself taking on new challenges with a more optimistic and "can-do" attitude.
So, folks, what are you grateful for?
Tell me. I’d love to bask in your gratitude with you.
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Principal Talent Development Partner @ LinkedIn | Global Talent Empowerment
1 年A great reminder Gina. I am grateful for so many things and one of those, is my health, which is fundamental to everything.
Project Manager at Ervia (formerly Bord Gais Eireann) - Small Business Advice Programme
1 年Well said. Thank you Gina London for your friendship. (And excellent insights ?? ?? ).
HR Lead | Talent Development | DE&I Champion | Lifelong Learner
1 年Count me in Gina! Starting right away - grateful for my colleagues who made me smile today even with a short note when I needed that the most :)